Slim Zaiane, general manager, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates/Image: Supplied
In Dubai’s competitive luxury hospitality market, reinvention is not just a strategy — it is survival. Few properties embody this better than Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, a flagship luxury destination that has consistently evolved over the past decade under the stewardship of general manager Slim Zaiane.
With more than 27 years of international hospitality experience across Geneva, London, and Dubai, Zaiane has guided the property through multiple phases of renovation, innovation, and repositioning — ensuring that it remains not only relevant, but a market leader in one of the world’s most dynamic tourism hubs.
“True leadership in hospitality is about balance – balancing operational excellence with human connection, business growth with guest satisfaction, and innovation with tradition,” Zaiane says. “Having experienced such diverse markets, I’ve learned that while expectations vary, the fundamentals of luxury remain the same: genuine care, attention to detail, and creating experiences that stay with guests long after they leave.”
Driving transformation through renovations
Over the last ten years, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates has undergone a series of strategic renovations designed to elevate its positioning as both a luxury city hotel and a lifestyle destination. In 2025, the spotlight has been on two major projects: the transformation of the outdoor pool area into a leisure destination, and the launch of Vera Versilia, the hotel’s new Italian seafood fine-dining venue.
“The enhancements highlights for this year, in 2025, was renovation and transforming our outdoor pool into a true leisure destination,” Zaiane explains. “In addition to the pool renovation, we fully revamped the hotel’s main F&B outlet by introducing brand-new concept to deliver an elevated fine-dining experience for our guests and Dubai residents alike.”
Helmed by executive chef Marco Garfagnini, Vera Versilia draws inspiration from Italy’s Tuscan coastline, offering a curated menu that introduces Dubai diners to a lesser-known culinary region. “Our goal was to bring to life a fresh concept encompassing both a culinary journey and a leisure destination, involving meticulous work from the entire team,” Zaiane says.
Looking ahead, the property is preparing to launch the Gray Wellness Club in October 2025, an innovative wellness destination blending fitness, longevity, and relaxation. “These upgrades have reinforced our positioning as both a luxury city hotel and a vibrant lifestyle space. I am proud to say the property is consistently recognized among Dubai’s most distinctive hospitality experiences,” he adds.
Luxury with purpose: CSR at the heart
For Zaiane, luxury hospitality is inseparable from social responsibility. Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates has made CSR a cornerstone of its identity, leading initiatives that blend community impact with guest engagement.
Two examples stand out: the hotel’s annual Stollen Charity Cake Sale and the Pink Afternoon Tea at Aspen Café. “Our annual Stollen Charity Cake Sale, now in its 19th year, raised over AED 105,000 in 2024 in support of cancer patients through Emirates Red Crescent,” Zaiane shares. “This tradition brings together our team, local schools, and community partners in a true celebration of giving back.”
Similarly, the Pink Afternoon Tea in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation has become a signature October event, raising awareness for breast cancer while directly supporting patients.
The hotel also partners with local schools such as Jumeirah College, participating in its Enterprise Week to nurture creativity and leadership among students. “For us, these initiatives are not simply about fundraising,” Zaiane says. “They’re about using our platform as a flagship hotel to foster awareness, inclusivity, and social responsibility.”
Read: Kempinski’s Barbara Muckermann on inclusion, expansion and human connections
Dubai’s global positioning
Having worked in Geneva, London, and now Dubai, Zaiane has witnessed first-hand the city’s remarkable ascent to global tourism hub status. “Dubai’s evolution over the past two decades has been nothing short of remarkable, and it’s a privilege to have witnessed and contributed to that journey,” he reflects.
“What sets Dubai apart is its ability to constantly reinvent itself. Few markets globally can match the pace at which Dubai introduces new attractions, hospitality concepts, and cultural initiatives, ensuring there is always something fresh to discover. That agility, coupled with its uniquely cosmopolitan character, is what makes the city stand out on the world stage.”
Equally, Dubai’s ability to balance modernity with diversity creates a unique hospitality environment. Guests can access Michelin-starred dining, world-class retail, cutting-edge entertainment, and luxury hotels — all within a single city. “That ability to offer so many layers of experience is what makes Dubai truly distinctive,” Zaiane says.
Redefining luxury: four key shifts
Asked what trends will shape the future of luxury hospitality in Dubai, Zaiane identifies four clear shifts:
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Personalisation – “Today’s guests appreciate when we anticipate their needs, whether through technology-enabled insights or intuitive service.”
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Wellness – “People are increasingly seeking hotels that care for mind, body, and soul, which is why we are investing heavily in this space with the launch of the Gray Wellness Club.”
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Memorable experiences – “Guests want more than just a room or a meal, they seek moments they will remember. Our VOX Private Cinema exemplifies this, offering a private, luxurious cinema experience with gourmet dining and personalised butler service.”
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Sustainability – “Luxury today goes hand-in-hand with responsibility, and achieving Green Globe and LEED Platinum certifications was a milestone for us, but we see it as only the beginning.”
These shifts, he says, are redefining what guests expect from a luxury stay, and the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is strategically positioned to deliver on all fronts.
The hotel’s direct connection to Mall of the Emirates provides a unique differentiator in Dubai’s crowded hospitality market. “Our location is truly distinctive, connected directly to one of the world’s leading retail and lifestyle destinations yet maintaining the privacy and exclusivity of a five-star hotel,” Zaiane says.
This synergy has driven innovative offerings such as complimentary hands-free shopping and Digital Concierge services, enabling guests to order from mall retailers with purchases delivered directly to their rooms. “This reflects our commitment to curating effortless, elevated experiences,” Zaiane explains, “blending the excitement of a world-class mall with the intuitive service and sophistication of Kempinski.”
Zaiane attributes much of the hotel’s success to its people. “You cannot deliver world-class service without a motivated, empowered, and passionate team,” he says. At Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, strong emphasis is placed on training, talent development, and recognition. “Our colleagues need to feel valued. When they do, that warmth translates directly to the guest experience.”
He also encourages creativity among staff. “Luxury is about going beyond the expected. Whether it’s a personalised detail for a returning guest or an innovative new F&B activation, I want colleagues to feel they have the freedom to surprise and delight.”
Strategic roadmap ahead
Looking forward, Zaiane’s priorities focus on wellness, culinary expansion, digital transformation, and sustainability. The Gray Wellness Club is set to become a benchmark for luxury wellbeing in the region, while dining innovations such as Vera Versilia and Vera by the Pool strengthen the hotel’s position as a gastronomic destination.
Digital tools will play a growing role in personalisation and operational efficiency, though Zaiane emphasizes that technology must complement, not replace, service. Sustainability will remain a long-term commitment, building on certifications already achieved.
Ultimately, people remain the centrepiece. “No strategy succeeds without the passion of the team behind it,” Zaiane stresses. “In a city as dynamic as Dubai, standing still is not an option, and we are committed to always evolving for our guests.”
From renovations that redefine guest experiences, to CSR initiatives that strengthen community ties, to innovations that anticipate the future of luxury, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates continues to set benchmarks in Dubai’s hospitality sector.
Zaiane’s leadership philosophy — rooted in balance, human connection, and empowerment — reflects the evolution of Dubai itself: bold, innovative, and deeply people-focused.
